JP2023079321A - Skin treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

To achieve an electrode arrangement capable of applying a preferable and uniform skin treatment effect, over a whole contact region of a skin of a user to which a skin treatment device contacts.SOLUTION: There is provided a skin treatment device comprising a plurality of electrode groups which can contact a skin of a user, the plurality of electrode groups including a first electrode group and a second electrode group. The first electrode group includes a plurality of first electrodes which is arranged at a first prescribed angle along a first circumference, and the second electrode group includes a plurality of second electrodes which is arranged at a second prescribed angle along a second circumference which is concentric to the first circumference and which has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first circumference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to skin treatment devices.

In a skin treatment device comprising a low-frequency electrode and a high-frequency electrode, the low-frequency electrode is formed into a substantially semicircular shape, and a high-frequency electrode pair is provided inside the circle formed by the two low-frequency electrodes, and is applied to a portion to which a high-frequency voltage is applied. There is known a technique for reliably applying a low-frequency voltage (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-65693 A

However, with the prior art electrode arrangements as described above, it is difficult to provide a uniform and good beauty-related effect over the entire contact area of the user's skin against which the device contacts.

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to realize an electrode arrangement capable of imparting a uniform and favorable skin treatment effect to the user's skin over the entire contact area of the user's skin with which the device contacts.

According to one aspect, a skin treatment device having a plurality of electrode groups capable of coming into contact with a user's skin,
The plurality of electrode groups includes a first electrode group and a second electrode group,
The first electrode group includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged at first predetermined angles along the first circumference,
The second electrode group includes a plurality of second electrodes arranged at second predetermined angles along a second circumference concentric with the first circumference and having a larger diameter than the first circumference, for skin treatment. An apparatus is provided.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize an electrode arrangement capable of imparting a uniform and favorable skin treatment effect to the user's skin over the entire contact area of the user's skin with which the device contacts.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the skin treatment apparatus of the present embodiment. 2 is a two-sided view of the skin treatment device of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of various parameters related to electrode placement; 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system according to an example; FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented by the control device of FIG. 4; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of setting values of various parameters stored in a parameter storage unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of operation mode A1; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation mode A1; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation mode A1; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation mode A1; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation mode A1; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation mode A1; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation mode A1; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation mode A1; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation mode A0; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform in infiltration mode M1; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform in iontophoresis mode M2; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another preferred example of the output waveform in iontophoresis mode M2; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another preferred example of the output waveform in iontophoresis mode M2; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform in high frequency mode M3; FIG. 4 is a diagram comparing the permeation effects of active ingredients with various output waveforms. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15; FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in the current value of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15; FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in the usage time of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15;

Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a two-sided view of the skin treatment device 1 of FIG. is. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the head section 3 of the skin treatment apparatus 1, and an explanatory diagram of various parameters relating to the electrode arrangement.

The skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment is in the form of a facial device, and is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the skin of the user's face. However, in a modification, the skin treatment device 1 may be configured to apply similar beauty-related effects to areas other than the user's face in addition to or instead of the user's face. In addition, the skin treatment device 1 may be used to provide effects other than beauty-related effects (for example, the effect of promoting percutaneous absorption of pharmaceuticals).

Beauty-related effects are optional and may include any combination of one or more of the elimination of sagging skin, tightening, fat burning, lifting, slimming, skin firmness and luster, improved hydration, or the like. . Moreover, the beauty-related effect may be an effect that can be quantified, or an effect that cannot be quantified.

The skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the user's skin by imparting various outputs via a plurality of electrodes that contact the user's skin.

The skin treatment apparatus 1 of this embodiment is of a portable type that can be held by a user's hand, but may be applied to a movable type that is movably supported by a stationary device via an arm or the like.

The skin treatment device 1 includes a grip portion 2 and a head portion 3 . In this case, the user can apply various outputs from the skin treatment apparatus 1 to a desired part of the user's face by holding the grip part 2 and bringing the head part 3 into contact with the desired part.

The grip portion 2 has a shape that is easily gripped by a user's hand. The grip portion 2 may include a user interface 20 including various buttons such as a power on/off button, a mode switching button, an intensity adjustment button, and the like. The various buttons may be mechanical buttons or touch switches. Further, the grip part 2 may be provided with a display part (not shown) for displaying the state of the skin treatment device 1 and the like. Moreover, the grip part 2 may be provided with an electrode (not shown) that touches the user's hand.

The head portion 3 is provided at the end portion of the grip portion 2 . Note that the head portion 3 may be fixed to the grip portion 2 , may be removable, or may be movable relative to the grip portion 2 .

The head part 3 can be brought into contact with the user's skin, and has a form suitable for being brought into contact with the user's skin. For example, the head portion 3 may have a substantially flat contact surface 3a (including a curved surface with a relatively large radius of curvature). In FIG. 2, the extending direction (basic plane) of the contact surface 3a is indicated by a dashed line in side view. In this case, the contact surface 3a is a flat surface that can be approximated to a substantially straight line when viewed from the side. The shape of the contact surface 3a when viewed from the front (the shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a) is arbitrary such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. Then, as an example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is circular.

The head portion 3 has a plurality of electrodes 30 arranged on the contact surface 3a. The plurality of electrodes 30 may have a form that slightly protrudes from the basic surface of the contact surface 3a of the head section 3 so as to easily come into contact with the user's skin.

In this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 30 are arranged in an annular shape around the center C of the contact surface 3 a of the head portion 3 . Hereinafter, terms relating to the radial direction and the circumferential direction refer to the center C of the contact surface 3a when the contact surface 3a is viewed from the front (when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a). A circle is used as a reference. For example, the radially inner side represents the side closer to the center C of the contact surface 3a in the radial direction. Further, hereinafter, the number of the plurality of electrodes 30 and the unit of one electrode are assumed to be one continuous form.

In this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 30 form a plurality of electrode groups for each attribute, specifically a first electrode group 31 and a second electrode group 32 . Note that in other embodiments, three or more electrode groups may be formed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode group 31 includes a plurality of first electrodes 310 arranged at first predetermined angles θ1 along the first circumference 31a.

The plurality of first electrodes 310 may have the same shape. That is, each of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be rotationally symmetrical with respect to each other around the center C of the contact surface 3a.

The first circumference 31a is a circumference having a radius r1 centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a. Note that the first circumference 31 a is a concept for explaining the arrangement of the plurality of first electrodes 310 and may be defined in any way as long as it passes through the plurality of first electrodes 310 . Here, it is assumed that the first circumference 31 a is a circumference that passes through substantially the center of each of the plurality of first electrodes 310 in the radial direction.

The first predetermined angle θ1 is preferably constant, but may not be constant. When the first predetermined angle θ1 is constant and the number of the plurality of first electrodes 310 is N1, θ1=2π/N1. In this embodiment, the first predetermined angle θ1 is constant π/4 (=90 degrees), and the number of first electrodes 310 is four. In another embodiment, the number of first electrodes 310 may be six, and the first predetermined angle θ1 may be a constant π/3. The number of first electrodes 310 is preferably an even number, but may be an odd number. If the number is even, a pair of first electrodes 310 can be formed without one redundant or overlapping first electrode 310 from among the plurality of first electrodes 310, and each pair of first electrodes 310 can be operated simultaneously.

Any two of the plurality of first electrodes 310 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction are separated from each other by a first distance d1. Although the first distance d1 is constant in this embodiment, it may vary depending on the position in the circumferential direction, similar to the first predetermined angle θ1 described above.

In this embodiment, since the plurality of first electrodes 310 are arranged as described above, the first electrodes 310 are paired in the first electrode group 31 to generate a desired output waveform. In this case, the output waveform is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an AC waveform or a pulsed DC waveform. In the case of an AC waveform, the frequency band of the output waveform is arbitrary, but preferably high frequency or the like having a heating effect. Some examples of output waveforms realized by pairing the first electrodes 310 will be described later. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, high frequency refers to a frequency band higher than 10 kHz, and low frequency refers to a frequency band of 10 kHz or lower.

The first distance d1 is preferably adapted for application of a high-frequency output waveform having a warming effect (or heating effect, and so on), and is smaller than a second distance d2, which will be described later. The first distance d1 is preferably between 1.5mm and 4.5mm, more preferably between 2.0mm and 4.0mm, most preferably between 2.5mm and 3.5mm . In this case, an appropriate warming effect can be applied to the user's skin.

Here, when an output waveform is generated by pairing any two first electrodes 310 adjacent in the circumferential direction, the output waveform substantially acts on the path with the smallest distance between the two first electrodes 310. It tends to be an effective route to

In this regard, in this embodiment, the distance between any two of the plurality of first electrodes 310 is maintained at the first distance d1 over the section SC1 of a predetermined length along the radial direction. As a result, the radial width of the effective path of the output waveform can be made relatively long according to the radial width (predetermined length) of the section SC1, and the effective region (action region) of the output waveform can be increased to can be spread effectively.

More specifically, the plurality of first electrodes 310 are separated by two linear regions (hereinafter referred to as "linear separation regions 390") that intersect through the center C of the first circumference 31a. and the width of the linear spacing region 390 is the first distance d1. In this case, when an output waveform is generated by pairing arbitrary two first electrodes 310 adjacent in the circumferential direction, substantially the entire linear spaced region 390 can be used as an effective region (active region) of the output waveform. can.

The second electrode group 32, as shown in FIG. 3, includes a plurality of second electrodes 320 arranged at every second predetermined angle θ2 along the second circumference 32a.

The plurality of second electrodes 320 may have the same shape. That is, each of the plurality of second electrodes 320 may be rotationally symmetrical with respect to each other around the center C of the contact surface 3a.

The second circumference 32a is a circumference with a radius r2 around the center C of the contact surface 3a. It should be noted that the second circumference 32 a is a concept for explaining the arrangement of the plurality of second electrodes 320 and may be defined in any way as long as it passes through the plurality of second electrodes 320 . Here, it is assumed that the second circumference 32a is a circumference passing through the center of each of the plurality of second electrodes 320 in the radial direction.

The radius r2 of the second circumference 32a is larger than the radius r1 of the first circumference 31a. That is, the second electrode group 32 is arranged radially outside the first electrode group 31 .

The second predetermined angle θ2 is preferably constant, but may not be constant. When the second predetermined angle θ2 is constant and the number of the plurality of second electrodes 320 is N2, θ2=2π/N2. In this embodiment, the second predetermined angle θ2 is constant π/3 (=120 degrees), and the number of the plurality of second electrodes 320 is three. In another embodiment, the number of the plurality of second electrodes 320 may be five, and the second predetermined angle θ2 may be a constant π/5.

Any two of the plurality of second electrodes 320 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction are separated from each other by a second distance d2. Although the second distance d2 is constant in this embodiment, it may vary depending on the position in the circumferential direction, similar to the second predetermined angle θ2 described above.

In this embodiment, since the plurality of second electrodes 320 are arranged as described above, the second electrodes 320 adjacent in the circumferential direction form pairs in the second electrode group 32 to generate a desired output waveform. can. In this case, the output waveform is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an AC waveform or a pulsed DC waveform. In this case, the frequency band of the output waveform is arbitrary, but is preferably high frequency or low frequency that has muscle electrical stimulating action. Some examples of output waveforms realized by pairing the second electrodes 320 will be described later.

The second distance d2 is preferably adapted for application of a high or low frequency output waveform with electrical muscle stimulation and is greater than the first distance d1 described above. The second distance d2 is preferably between 5.5mm and 15mm, more preferably between 6.0mm and 8.0mm, most preferably between 6.5mm and 10mm. In this case, it is possible to apply appropriate electrical muscle stimulation to the user's skin.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the first electrode group 31, the first electrodes 310 are paired to generate various output waveforms having various effects, and in the second electrode group 32, , the second electrodes 320 can be paired to generate various output waveforms having various effects. In this manner, according to the present embodiment, an electrode arrangement capable of imparting a uniform and excellent skin treatment effect to the user's skin over the entire contact area of the user's skin with which the skin treatment apparatus 1 contacts is realized. can.

Below, the second electrodes 320 are paired or the first electrodes 310 are paired, and the action of penetrating the active ingredient (beauty ingredient) into the skin (hereinafter also simply referred to as "penetration action") is referred to as "infiltration mode M1", and the output waveform having the effect of introducing ions (ions related to the active ingredient) into the skin by pairing the first electrodes 310 is referred to as "ion introduction mode M2", and the output mode in which the first electrodes 310 are paired to generate a high-frequency output waveform having a heating effect is referred to as "high-frequency mode M3". . An output mode in which the second electrodes 320 are paired to generate a high-frequency or low-frequency output waveform having electrical muscle stimulation is referred to as "electrical muscle stimulation mode M4". Examples of output waveforms in each output mode will be described later. An output mode in which the first electrodes 310 form a pair and apply a weak current (microcurrent) is referred to as "microcurrent mode M5". Further, an output mode in which the first electrodes 310 are paired to generate an output waveform having an action of deriving ions (ions related to dirt etc.) from the skin is referred to as "ion derivation mode M6".

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are arranged close to each other in the radial direction, so that the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 form a pair. can be used to generate the desired output waveform. Also in this case, the output waveform is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an AC waveform or a pulsed DC waveform. In the case of an AC waveform, the frequency band of the output waveform is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a high frequency with a warming effect. Hereinafter, the output mode in which the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 form a pair to generate an output waveform is also referred to as a "radial mode".

Here, in the case of specifications for realizing the radial direction mode, the number of the plurality of second electrodes 320 is preferably an odd number, but may be an even number. In this case, for example, when N1 described above is an even number, the relationship in the circumferential direction between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 tends to be rotationally symmetrical. In this case, it is possible to form pairs of the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 in various positional relationships among the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32, thereby realizing diversification of outputs. becomes possible.

However, in the modified example, the number of the plurality of second electrodes 320 is an even number, and the first electrode group 31 is arranged so that the circumferential relationship between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 is rotationally symmetrical. and the second electrode group 32 may be arranged. In this case, even in the case of the specification for realizing the radial direction mode, various modes including the radial direction mode can be set that can impart a uniform effect along the circumferential direction.

In this embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes 310 and the plurality of second electrodes 320 are separated by a third distance d3 in the radial direction. The third distance d3 is preferably different from the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 described above. In this case, it is possible to diversify the outputs that can be realized by the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 . Specifically, the third distance d3 is preferably smaller than the first distance d1. For example, the relationship may be third distance d3<first distance d1<second distance d2. In this case, it is possible to diversify the outputs due to various separation distances. It should be noted that the third distance d3 is preferably smaller than the first distance d1 by a distance between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, since the plurality of first electrodes 310 are arranged separately along the circumferential direction, various output waveforms are generated by pairing the first electrodes 310 adjacent in the circumferential direction. can.

Here, when the output waveform is generated by pairing the first electrodes 310 adjacent in the circumferential direction, compared to the case where the output waveform is generated by pairing the electrodes adjacent in the radial direction (for example, the radial mode described above). This makes it easier to expand the effective region of the output waveform in the radial direction. Specifically, by making the radial length of the plurality of first electrodes 310 relatively long, the predetermined length section SC1 (the radial length of the linear spaced region 390) is made relatively long. It is possible to expand the effective area of the output waveform in the radial direction.

In this regard, in the present embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes 310 have a form in which a ring having a width in the radial direction (the difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter) of which is the fourth distance d4 is divided in the circumferential direction. Note that the annular ring having a width in the radial direction of the fourth distance d4 may be centered on the center C, and the inner diameter may correspond to about twice the width of the linear spaced region 390 . In this case, the predetermined length of the section SC1 (the radial length of the linear spaced region 390) increases as the fourth distance d4 increases. Therefore, by setting the fourth distance d4 to a relatively long distance, the effective region of the output waveform generated by pairing the first electrodes 310 adjacent in the circumferential direction can be widened in the radial direction.

On the other hand, the plurality of second electrodes 320 have a shape in which a circular ring having a radial width of a fifth distance d5 is divided in the circumferential direction. In this case, the fifth distance d5 may be significantly smaller than the fourth distance d4. In this case, the effective area of the output waveform generated by pairing the second electrodes 320 adjacent in the circumferential direction has a relatively small length in the radial direction. can ensure its effectiveness. Thus, according to this embodiment, the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 can be efficiently arranged in the limited electrode arrangement area on the contact surface 3a.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the skin treatment apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the control system 100 according to one example. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented by the control device 110 of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of setting values of various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 116. As shown in FIG. In addition to the control system 100, a power supply 150 is also shown in FIG. Power supply 150 may be, for example, a DC power supply. Although several power sources 150 are shown in FIG. 4, they may be common.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control system 100 includes a control device 110;

The controller 110 includes a computer and may be formed, for example, by a microcomputer. Note that the control device 110 may operate based on power from the power supply 150 .

The control device 110 selectively forms various modes such as the above-described infiltration mode M1 and muscle electrical stimulation mode M4. , 122 , output waveform generators 130 , 131 , 132 and switching circuit units 140 , 141 to control the plurality of electrodes 30 .

In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the control device 110 includes a user input acquisition unit 111, a mode setting unit 112, a control parameter setting unit 113, a control signal generation unit 114, a switching control unit 115 and a parameter storage unit 116 . Each unit from the user input acquisition unit 111 to the switching control unit 115 is configured such that, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) of the control device 110 stores one or more programs in a storage device (not shown) of the control device 110. This can be achieved by executing Parameter storage unit 116 can be realized by a storage device (not shown) of control device 110 .

The user input acquisition unit 111 acquires various user inputs from the user via the user interface 20 described above. Various user inputs may include power on/off, mode selection inputs, intensity adjustment inputs, and the like.

The mode setting unit 112 sets the operation mode desired by the user based on the user input from the user input acquisition unit 111 . Note that, in a modified example, the mode setting unit 112 may set the operation mode based on other parameters instead of or in addition to the user input. Various operation modes may be prepared, and the number and types thereof are arbitrary. In this embodiment, as an example, a plurality of operation modes are prepared, including an operation mode A0 and an operation mode A1.

The operation mode A0 is one of the various modes such as the infiltration mode M1 and the muscle electrical stimulation mode M4 described above, which is realized independently. For example, operation mode A0 may be electrical muscle stimulation mode M4. In this case, only the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is continuously realized while the operation mode A0 is being formed. A plurality of operation modes A0 may be set according to each of the infiltration mode M1, the muscle electrical stimulation mode M4, and the like.

The operation mode A1 is one mode realized by combining two or more of various modes such as the infiltration mode M1 and the muscle electrical stimulation mode M4. A plurality of operation modes A1 may be prepared in different combinations. For example, the operation mode A1 may be a combination of two of the infiltration mode M1 and the iontophoresis mode M2, or a combination of three of the infiltration mode M1, the iontophoresis mode M2 and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4. Note that the combination may be arbitrary and may be settable (customizable) by the user. Some specific examples of operation mode A1 will be described later.

In operating mode A1, each mode is intermittently and cyclically repeated in a manner that outputs a corresponding output waveform for its respective duration. In this case, the output waveform output in one duration preferably comprises a continuous waveform that changes periodically two or more times, as opposed to a single pulse. For example, when the output waveform is a pulsed DC waveform, the output waveform output in one duration consists of two or more pulses (from the rising/falling edge to the falling/rising edge is one pulse). when). Moreover, when the output waveform is a sinusoidal AC waveform, the output waveform output in one duration includes two or more cycles of the sine wave.

Further, in the operation mode A1, when transitioning from one mode to another mode, a predetermined time interval from the end timing of the output waveform related to the one mode to the start timing of the output waveform related to the other one mode rest time may be set. The predetermined pause time may be set relatively short in such a manner that a time (for example, 1 to 2 milliseconds) required for switching operations in switching circuit units 140 and 141, which will be described later, is ensured. For example, the predetermined pause time may be shorter than the shortest duration of each mode, such as about 5 milliseconds.

The control parameter setting unit 113 sets values of various control parameters for realizing a corresponding output waveform according to the operation mode set by the mode setting unit 112 . The various control parameters include a first parameter indicating whether the waveform is an AC waveform or a DC waveform, a second parameter indicating the frequency, a third parameter indicating the duration, a fourth parameter indicating the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform, and the like. may contain. The duration corresponds to the output time of the output waveform related to the mode, and corresponds to the continuous output time from the start point to the end point of the corresponding output waveform. Note that the third parameter may be used only in the operation mode A1 described above, and may not be used in the operation mode A0. In operation mode A0, the duration may be, for example, until the power is turned off, or may be determined according to other requirements (for example, requirements based on temperature information from a thermistor (not shown)).

The control parameter setting section 113 may set each value of various control parameters for realizing a corresponding output waveform based on the setting value of each parameter in the parameter storage section 116 . FIG. 6 shows an example of setting values of various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 116. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6, set values of various parameters are associated with each mode such as the infiltration mode M1 and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4. In FIG. 6, the value "1" of the first parameter represents an AC waveform, and the value "0" represents a DC waveform. Also, the values PT1 to PT4, PT20, and PT21 of the fourth parameter may represent the change pattern of the electrode pairs that generate the output waveform. The pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform may be a pair having a one-to-one relationship, or may be a pair having a one-to-many relationship.

The control signal generation unit 114 generates a control signal in the form of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the values of various parameters set by the control parameter setting unit 113 . The control signal generation section 114 provides the generated control signal to the corresponding drive circuit section among the drive circuit sections 120 , 121 and 122 .

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control system 100 has three systems of drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122. Of the drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122, the drive circuit unit 120 Various output waveforms are generated via (the plurality of second electrodes 320), and the drive circuit units 121 and 122 generate various output waveforms via the first electrode group 31 (the plurality of first electrodes 310). The drive circuit unit 121 generates an AC output waveform (for example, an output waveform for the high frequency mode M3), and the drive circuit unit 122 generates a DC output waveform (for example, an output waveform for the iontophoresis mode M2). .

FIG. 4 schematically shows waveforms of part of the control signals CT1 and CT2. In this case, the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be applied to the drive circuit units 120 and 121 through separate control lines L1 and L2, respectively. The frequencies (duty ratios) of the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be determined according to the set value of the second parameter. Further, FIG. 4 schematically shows a waveform of part of the control signal CT3. In this case, the control signal CT3 may be applied to the drive circuit section 122 via the control line L3. The frequency (duty ratio) of the control signal CT3 may be determined according to the set value of the second parameter.

When a certain mode is realized, whether the control signals CT1 and CT2 (and the control lines L1 and L2 associated therewith) are output or the control signal CT3 is output depends on the mode. may be determined according to the set value of the first parameter. For example, in one mode, when the setting value of the first parameter is "1", both the control signals CT1 and CT2 are output, and when the setting value of the first parameter is "0", the control signal CT3 is output. may be output. Also, when a certain mode is realized, the duration of the control signals CT1, CT2, and CT3 associated with that mode may be determined according to the set value of the third parameter.

The drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122 include drivers that drive a plurality of switching elements Tr, which will be described later. The drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122 turn on/off the switching elements Tr of the output waveform generation units 130, 131, and 132 according to the control signals CT1, CT2, and CT3 from the control signal generation unit 114, respectively. A signal is generated, and the generated drive signal is applied to the corresponding switching element Tr.

Output waveform generators 130, 131, and 132 each generate an output waveform based on power supply 150, which is a DC power supply. Output waveform generating section 130 includes a pair of switching elements Tr and transformer 135 . Output waveform generating section 131 includes a pair of switching elements Tr and transformer 136 . Output waveform generating section 132 includes switching element Tr and transformer 137 .

Regarding the system related to the drive circuit section 120 , the paired switching elements Tr are switching elements such as transistors, one of which is connected to the terminal Ta of the transformer 135 and the other of which is connected to the terminal Tb of the transformer 135 . The power supply 150 is connected to the terminal Tc associated with the center tap of the transformer 135 . In this embodiment, the transformer 135 is frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3. For example, when the induced voltage E of the transformer 135 is E=√2·π·f·n·φm, the frequency f is substantially equal to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3 (second parameter set value α3 in FIG. 6). . In this case, n is the number of turns and φm is the magnetic flux. Note that the transformer 135 may be adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3 based on setting (adjustment) such as changing the setting multiplier of the peripheral circuit, the material and adhesion of the ferrite core (internal part of the transformer 135).

As for the system related to the drive circuit unit 121, the pair of switching elements Tr are switching elements such as transistors, one of which is connected to the terminal Ta of the transformer 136, and the other of which is connected to the terminal Tb of the transformer 136. . The power supply 150 is connected to the terminal Tc associated with the center tap of the transformer 136 . In this embodiment, the transformer 136 is frequency-specified adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3. Therefore, in this case, the output waveform generators 130 and 131 may be composed of the same parts. The same applies to the drive circuit units 120 and 121 as well.

Regarding the system related to the drive circuit unit 122 , the switching element Tr is a switching element such as a transistor, and is connected to the terminal Tb of the transformer 137 . The power supply 150 is connected to the terminal Ta of the transformer 137 . In this embodiment, the transformer 137 may be frequency-specifically adapted to the frequency of the iontophoretic mode M2.

The switching circuit unit 140 switches the connection destinations of the output terminals Td and Te of the output waveform generating unit 130 (that is, the output terminals of the transformer 135) among the plurality of second electrodes 320, thereby selecting pairs of electrodes that generate output waveforms. are controlled within the plurality of second electrodes 320 . In this case, the switching circuit section 140 may control the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform based on the set value of the fourth parameter.

The switching circuit section 141 connects the output terminals Td and Te of the output waveform generating section 131 (that is, the output terminals of the transformer 136) and the output terminals of the output waveform generating section 132 (that is, the output terminals of the transformer 137) Td and Te. By switching connection destinations among the plurality of first electrodes 310 , pairs of electrodes that generate an output waveform are controlled among the plurality of first electrodes 310 . In this case, the switching circuit section 141 may control the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform based on the set value of the fourth parameter.

According to the control system 100 shown in FIG. 4, the series for applying the output waveform via the first electrode group 31 and the series for applying the output waveform via the second electrode group 32 are independent. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously generate (output) an output waveform via the first electrode group 31 and an output waveform via the second electrode group 32 . Therefore, it is possible to combine the output waveform via the first electrode group 31 and the output waveform via the second electrode group 32 on the time axis in various ways, and the output variation of the skin treatment apparatus 1 can be effectively changed. can be increased exponentially.

The control system 100 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and the control system 100 may vary depending on the type of output waveform to be generated, requests such as whether or not to use the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 at the same time, costs, and the like. It may be changed accordingly. For example, in a configuration that does not use the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 at the same time, the drive circuit section 122 and the output waveform generation section 132 may be omitted. In this case, in the switching circuit section 140, the connection destinations of the output terminals Td and Te of the output waveform generating section 130 (that is, the output terminals of the transformer 135) are within the plurality of second electrodes 320 or within the plurality of first electrodes 310. may be switched in a time division manner. Alternatively, in addition or alternatively, in the switching circuit section 140, the output terminals of the output waveform generating section 130 (that is, the output terminals of the transformer 135) Td and Te are connected to one of the plurality of second electrodes 320. The above and one or more of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be paired and switched by time division.

Next, an example of the operation mode A1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13. FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation mode A1, in which combination patterns (change patterns) are shown in time series with the horizontal axis representing time. Specifically, in FIG. 7, the picture of the head unit 3 is shown on the upper side, and the circle surrounding the + mark and the circle surrounding the - mark correspond to the paired electrodes among the plurality of electrodes 30. attached. In this case, the electrode associated with the circle surrounding the + mark and the electrode associated with the circle surrounding the - mark form a pair. In addition, in FIG. 7, combination patterns (variation patterns) of each mode are shown in association with the picture of the head section 3 on the lower side.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the operation mode A1 is a combination mode of the high frequency mode M3 and the ion extraction mode M6. In this case, the high frequency mode M3 and the ion extraction mode M6 are repeated periodically in this order in a non-overlapping manner with respect to each other.

In high frequency mode M3, all of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be utilized simultaneously, in which case an output waveform with a warming effect is applied to the user's skin via each pair. In the example shown in FIG. 7, each of the two first electrodes 310 having the same phase of the alternating waveform among the four first electrodes 310 is paired with each of the other two first electrodes 310. good.

In ion extraction mode M6, all of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be utilized simultaneously, in which case an output waveform is applied to the user's skin via each pair that has the effect of extracting ions from within the skin. . In the example shown in FIG. 7 , each of the two first electrodes 310 having the same polarity among the four first electrodes 310 may be paired with each of the other two first electrodes 310 .

In the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 7, the high frequency mode M3 and the ion derivation mode M6 are alternately and repeatedly executed. Dirt, cleansing, etc. can be effectively adsorbed and removed by the derivation mode M6. In the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 7, the duration of each mode (each of the high frequency mode M3 and the ion extraction mode M6) in one cycle of the operation mode A1 is preferably set significantly longer than 1 second. be done.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the operation mode A1, showing combination patterns (change patterns) in time series with the horizontal axis representing time. The notation method of the combination pattern (variation pattern) is the same as in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, operation mode A1 is a combination mode of infiltration mode M1, muscle electrical stimulation mode M4, high frequency mode M3, and iontophoresis mode M2. In this case, a first combination mode M0, a second combination mode M0, a first electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, a third combination mode M0, a second electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, and an iontophoresis mode. M2 and the third electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 are cyclically repeated in this order in a non-overlapping manner with respect to each other.

A combination mode M0 is a combination mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the high frequency mode M3. That is, the combination mode M0 includes an infiltration mode M1 as a first submode having an effect of permeating the active ingredient into the skin and a high frequency mode M3 as a second submode having an effect of warming the skin. .

In this case, two sub-modes (first sub-mode and second sub-mode) can be realized simultaneously using the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG. That is, the first sub-mode uses the system (driving circuit unit 120, etc.) related to the second electrode group 32 in the control system 100 shown in FIG. By using the system (driving circuit unit 121, etc.) related to the first electrode group 31 in the control system 100, they can be realized simultaneously and independently of each other. However, in a modified example in which the drive circuit section 122 and the output waveform generation section 132 are omitted as described above, the two sub-modes may be realized by time division.

In infiltration mode M1, all of the plurality of second electrodes 320 may be utilized simultaneously, in which case an output waveform is applied to the user's skin via each pair that has the effect of infiltrating the active ingredient into the skin. be. In the example shown in FIG. 8, of the three second electrodes 320, the two second electrodes 320 having the same phase of the AC waveform (for example, the electrodes associated with the circle surrounding the - mark) are the other It may be paired with the second electrode 320 (the electrode associated with the circle surrounding the + mark) (that is, a total of two pairs may be formed).

In high frequency mode M3, all of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be used simultaneously, similar to the aspect described above with reference to FIG.

In muscle electrical stimulation mode M4, all of the plurality of second electrodes 320 may be used in a time division manner. As shown in FIG. 8, in the first electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, the upper and lower right two of the three second electrodes 320 are paired to generate an output waveform. In the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, two different (two adjacent in the circumferential direction) form a pair, and in the next third electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, two further different (two adjacent in the circumferential direction) You can make a pair. In this manner, in the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, in one cycle of the operation mode A1, the pairs that generate the output waveforms may be changed in three patterns in which the pairs are shifted one by one in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, in one period of the operation mode A1, the pairs that generate the output waveforms may be changed in three patterns in which the pairs are shifted by two in the circumferential direction. However, in the modification, in one of the first electrical muscle stimulation modes M4 (the same applies to the second electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 and the third electrical muscle stimulation mode M4), the pairs that generate the output waveforms are the same. may be changed dynamically with That is, within the duration of one electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, pairs that generate output waveforms may be dynamically changed in a similar manner.

In the iontophoresis mode M2, all of the multiple first electrodes 310 may be utilized simultaneously. In this case, through each pair, an output waveform is applied to the user's skin that has the effect of introducing ions into the skin. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , each of the two first electrodes 310 having the same polarity among the four first electrodes 310 may be paired with each of the other two first electrodes 310 .

In the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 8, each mode (each of the infiltration mode M1 of the combination mode M0, the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 of the combination mode M0, the high frequency mode M3 of the combination mode M0, and the iontophoresis mode M2). The duration is preferably set to less than 1 second. Cyclically repeating each mode with such a relatively short duration is less than cyclically repeating each mode with a relatively long duration (e.g., duration significantly longer than 1 second) per unit time. Per beauty-related effects can be enhanced.

Note that in the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 8, the first combination mode M0 and the second combination mode M0 may be realized continuously (that is, integrated) without an intervening pause time. can also be used). Alternatively, the first combination mode M0 is executed only for the first time of the operation mode A1 or every multiple cycles of the operation mode A1, and each mode from the second combination mode M0 to the third muscle electrical stimulation mode M4 is the operation mode. It may be executed every period of A1.

Specifically, in the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 8, the duration of each mode from the second combination mode M0 to the third muscle electrical stimulation mode M4 is preferably set to less than 1 second. Cyclically repeating each mode with such a relatively short duration is less than cyclically repeating each mode with a relatively long duration (e.g., duration significantly longer than 1 second) per unit time. Per beauty-related effects can be enhanced.

Specifically, the duration of the second and third combined modes M0 is preferably between 20 ms and 70 ms, more preferably between 30 ms and 60 ms, and most preferably between 30 ms and 60 ms. Preferably it is between 40 ms and 50 ms.

The duration of iontophoretic mode M2 is preferably between 20 and 70 ms, more preferably between 30 and 60 ms, most preferably between 40 and 50 ms. between

The duration of each of the first to third muscle electrical stimulation modes M4 is preferably between 10 ms and 40 ms, more preferably between 15 ms and 35 ms, most preferably is between 20 ms and 30 ms.

On the other hand, in the operating mode A1 shown in FIG. 8, the duration of the first combined mode M0 is preferably set to a time significantly longer than 1 second. For example, the duration of the first combination mode M0 is preferably between 5 and 25 seconds, more preferably between 10 and 20 seconds.

FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of another example of the operation mode A1, showing combination patterns (change patterns) in time series with the horizontal axis representing time.

In the example shown in FIG. 8A, operation mode A1 is a combination mode of infiltration mode M1, muscle electrical stimulation mode M4, and iontophoresis mode M2. In this case, the first infiltration mode M1, the first electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, the second infiltration mode M1, the second electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, the iontophoresis mode M2, and the third electrical muscle Stimulation mode M4 is repeated periodically in this order in a non-overlapping manner with respect to each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the first invasion mode M1 and the second invasion mode M1 are performed independently unlike the example shown in FIG. Again, the duration of the first invasion mode M1 and the second invasion mode M1 is preferably between 20 ms and 70 ms, more preferably between 30 ms and 60 ms. Yes, and most preferably between 40 ms and 50 ms. Other modes may be the same as the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the operation mode A1, showing combination patterns (change patterns) in time series with the horizontal axis representing time. The notation method of the combination pattern (variation pattern) is the same as in FIG.

In operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 9, in contrast to operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 8, fourth infiltration mode M1 with a relatively long duration is executed subsequent to third electrical muscle stimulation mode M4. Points are different. In this case, the action of the infiltration mode M1 (the action of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin) can be effectively enhanced.

The fourth invasion mode M1, like the first to third invasion modes M1, may consist of two sub-modes, but is preferably performed singly, as shown in FIG. In a fourth infiltration mode M1, all of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be utilized simultaneously, in which case, through each pair, an output waveform having the effect of infiltrating the active ingredient into the skin of the user is applied. is applied to In the example shown in FIG. 9, of the four first electrodes 310, each of the two first electrodes 310 having the same phase of the AC waveform (for example, electrodes associated with a circle surrounding a + mark) is It may be paired with each of the other two first electrodes 310 (electrodes associated with a circle surrounding the minus mark) (that is, a total of four pairs may be formed). Such operation mode A1 is suitable, for example, for penetration of whitening ingredients.

The duration of the fourth infiltration mode M1 is set to a time significantly longer than 1 second. For example, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 following the third electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is preferably between 5 and 25 seconds, more preferably between 10 and 20 seconds.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the fourth infiltration mode M1 is realized by a plurality of first electrodes 310, but instead of or in addition to this, in a manner similar to the infiltration mode M1 of the combination mode M0 , may be realized by a plurality of second electrodes 320 .

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the operation mode A1, showing combination patterns (change patterns) in time series with the horizontal axis representing time. The notation method of the combination pattern (variation pattern) is the same as in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, operation mode A1 is a combination mode of infiltration mode M1, iontophoresis mode M2, high frequency mode M3, and muscle electrical stimulation mode M4. In this case, the infiltration mode M1, the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, and the combination mode M10 are periodically repeated in this order in a non-overlapping manner with respect to each other.

In infiltration mode M1, all of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be utilized simultaneously, in which case an output waveform is applied to the user's skin via each pair that has the effect of infiltrating the active ingredient into the skin. be. In the example shown in FIG. 10, of the four first electrodes 310, each of the two first electrodes 310 having the same phase of the AC waveform (for example, electrodes associated with a circle surrounding a + mark) is It may be paired with each of the other two first electrodes 310 (electrodes associated with a circle surrounding the minus mark) (that is, a total of four pairs may be formed).

The muscle electrical stimulation mode M4 may be executed in a manner similar to the example shown in FIG.

A combination mode M10 is a combination mode of the ion introduction mode M2 and the high frequency mode M3. That is, the combination mode M10 includes an ion introduction mode M2 as a first sub-mode having an effect of introducing ions into the skin and a high-frequency mode M3 as a second sub-mode having an effect of warming the skin. .

In this case, the two sub-modes (first sub-mode and second sub-mode) may be realized in a time-sharing manner using the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG. In this case, within one duration, the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode may alternately be realized only once, or may be realized a plurality of times.

Alternatively, the two sub-modes (the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode) may be implemented simultaneously using a control system (not shown) different from the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG. good. In this case, the first sub-mode may be realized via one pair of the two pairs of the plurality of first electrodes 310, and the second sub-mode may be realized via the other pair at the same time. In this case, the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode may be realized within one duration without changing the pair, or the first sub-mode with changing the pair within one duration. A mode and a second sub-mode may be implemented. Alternatively, the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode may be realized while changing the pair for each cycle of the operation mode A1. When changing the pair, the pair of electrodes that realize the first submode may be changed in four patterns, one by one in the circumferential direction or the other by three in the circumferential direction. Two patterns in which the pairs of electrodes that realize one submode are shifted by two in the circumferential direction (that is, the pairs that realize the first submode and the pairs that realize the second submode are alternately replaced). , may be changed.

In such operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 10, the duration of each mode (infiltration mode M1, muscle electrical stimulation mode M4, and combination mode M10) is preferably set to less than 1 second. Cyclically repeating each mode with such a relatively short duration is less than cyclically repeating each mode with a relatively long duration (e.g., duration significantly longer than 1 second) per unit time. Per beauty-related effects can be enhanced.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the invasion mode M1, the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, and the combination mode M10 are periodically repeated in this order. The order may be repeated cyclically.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the operation mode A1, showing combination patterns (change patterns) in time series with the horizontal axis representing time. The notation method of the combination pattern (variation pattern) is the same as in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, operation mode A1 is a combination mode of infiltration mode M1, iontophoresis mode M2, high frequency mode M3, and muscle electrical stimulation mode M4. In this case, the high frequency mode M3, the first infiltration mode M1, the first muscle electrical stimulation mode M4, the second infiltration mode M1, the second muscle electrical stimulation mode M4, the combination mode M10, and the third muscle Electrical stimulation mode M4 is repeated periodically in this order and in a non-overlapping manner with respect to each other.

The infiltration mode M1 and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 may be as described above with reference to FIG. Also, the combination mode M10 may be as described above with reference to FIG.

In high frequency mode M3, all of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be utilized simultaneously, in which case an output waveform with a warming effect is applied to the user's skin via each pair. Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 11, as in the case of the infiltration mode M1, each of the two first electrodes 310 having the same phase of the AC waveform among the four first electrodes 310 is connected to the other two first electrodes. 310 may be paired.

In the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 11, the duration of each of the infiltration mode M1, combination mode M10 and muscle electrical stimulation mode M4 is preferably set to less than 1 second. Cyclically repeating each mode with such a relatively short duration is less than cyclically repeating each mode with a relatively long duration (e.g., duration significantly longer than 1 second) per unit time. Per beauty-related effects can be enhanced.

Specifically, the duration of the infiltration mode M1, the duration of the iontophoresis mode M2 of the combination mode M10, and the duration of the muscle electrical stimulation mode M4 may be the same as the example shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in operating mode A1 shown in FIG. 11, the duration of high frequency mode M3 is preferably set to a time significantly longer than 1 second. For example, the duration of high frequency mode M3 is preferably between 5 and 25 seconds, more preferably between 10 and 20 seconds.

In the modified example, the high-frequency mode M3 is executed only for the first time of the operation mode A1 or every multiple cycles of the operation mode A1, and each mode from the first infiltration mode M1 to the third muscle electrical stimulation mode M4 is operated. It may be executed for each cycle of mode A1.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of yet another example of the operation mode A1, showing combination patterns (change patterns) in time series with the horizontal axis representing time. The notation method of the combination pattern (variation pattern) is the same as in FIG.

The operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 12 differs from the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 11 in that the third electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is followed by the infiltration mode M1 with a relatively long duration. . In this case, the action of the infiltration mode M1 (the action of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin) can be effectively enhanced.

In this case, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 following the third electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is set to a time significantly longer than 1 second. For example, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 following the third electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is preferably between 5 and 25 seconds, more preferably between 10 and 20 seconds.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of yet another example of the operation mode A1, showing combination patterns (change patterns) in time series with the horizontal axis representing time. Note that the notation method of patterns (variation patterns) is the same as in FIG.

An operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 13 is a combination mode of a high frequency mode M3, a microcurrent mode M5, and a muscle electrical stimulation mode M4. In this case, the high frequency mode M3, the microcurrent mode M5 and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 are repeated periodically in this order in a non-overlapping manner with respect to each other.

In the microcurrent mode M5, all of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be used simultaneously. In the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 13, for example, an effect of improving sagging around the eyes and fine wrinkles due to dryness can be expected. In addition, by combining the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, a mode with physical sensation can be realized. The duration of the microcurrent mode M5 may be significantly shorter than 1 second, for example of the order of 0.4 seconds. Also, the duration of the high frequency mode M3 in the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 13 may be significantly shorter than 1 second, and may be approximately 0.6 seconds, for example. Also, the duration of the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 in the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 13 may be significantly shorter than 1 second, and may be, for example, about 0.2 seconds. In addition, in the muscle electrical stimulation mode M4 in the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 13, as schematically shown in FIG. 13, all of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be used at the same time. As described above, two of the plurality of first electrodes 310 may be paired and implemented in a manner that the pair varies.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the microcurrent mode M5 is executed alone, but it may be executed as a combination of two submodes. That is, the microcurrent mode M5 may be implemented in a mode including a first submode that applies a weak current and a second submode that has an electrical muscle stimulation action. In this case, the two sub-modes (first sub-mode and second sub-mode) may be realized in a time-sharing manner using the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG. In this case, within one duration, the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode may alternately be realized only once, or may be realized a plurality of times. Alternatively, the two sub-modes (the first sub-mode and the second sub-mode) may be implemented simultaneously using the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation mode A0, in which combination patterns (change patterns) are shown in time series with the horizontal axis representing time. Note that the notation method of patterns (variation patterns) is the same as in FIG.

In operation mode A0, only electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is realized. In this case, in the muscle electrical stimulation mode M4, all of the plurality of second electrodes 320 may be used in a time division manner. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is a mode in which pairs of the three second electrodes 320 that generate output waveforms are shifted clockwise (clockwise when viewed from the front) by one in the circumferential direction. It is changed with 3 patterns. Note that the order of the three patterns may be changed arbitrarily.

In the operation mode A0, such three patterns are periodically repeated in such a manner that they are realized in each cycle of the operation mode A0. In this case, the duration T _EMS of each pattern may be the same for each period of the operation mode A0, but is preferably changed regularly for each change period. The duration T _EMS may be varied, for example, 1000 ms, 500 ms, 250 ms, 50 ms, 25 ms. The change period in this case may be constant, and may be, for example, about 10 seconds. In this case, a plurality of types of muscle electrical stimulation can be applied periodically, so effective lift-up can be expected.

Next, preferred examples of output waveforms for various modes such as the infiltration mode M1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a preferred example of output waveforms in the infiltration mode M1. FIG. 15 shows the output waveform (time-series waveform) of the infiltration mode M1 when the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage values. In FIG. 15, ΔT1 represents one cycle of the output waveform.

In this embodiment, the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 is an AC waveform and has a plurality of peak voltage values during a half cycle (ΔT/2). In this case, the multiple peak voltage values include a first peak voltage value Vp1 and one or more second peak voltage values Vp2.

The first peak voltage value Vp1 is the peak voltage value that appears first in the half cycle, and the second peak voltage value Vp2 appears after the first peak voltage value Vp1 and is higher than the first peak voltage value Vp1. small. As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of second peak voltage values Vp2 may occur in such a manner that they gradually decrease. The second peak voltage value Vp2 is preferably less than half the magnitude of the first peak voltage value Vp1.

The frequency of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 is significantly lower than the frequency of the output waveform of high frequency mode M3, preferably between 10 kHz and 500 kHz.

The effect of such an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 onwards.

By the way, the output waveform of such infiltration mode M1 is significantly different in waveform (waveform characteristics other than frequency) from the output waveform of high frequency mode M3 shown in FIG. It can be generated using the same hardware resources. Specifically, both the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 and the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 can be generated via the output waveform generators 130 and 131 of the control system 100 shown in FIG. In this case, only the frequencies of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generator 114 are different between generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 and generating the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3. That is, when generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, the frequencies of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generator 114 correspond to the frequency of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1, whereas the frequencies of the high frequency mode M3 When the output waveform is generated, the frequencies of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generator 114 are different only by corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3.

As described above, in this embodiment, the transformer 136 (and the transformer 135 as well) has a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3. 19, a sinusoidal output waveform of a desired frequency (the frequency of the high frequency mode M3) can be generated. On the other hand, the transformer 135 (also the transformer 136) responds to the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 significantly lower than the frequency of the high frequency mode M3 as shown in FIG. A sinusoidal output waveform (a sinusoidal output waveform corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1) cannot be generated. On the other hand, the transformer 135 produces an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. can be generated.

In this manner, according to this embodiment, the infiltration mode M1 shown in FIG. 15 can be generated without special hardware resources for generating the infiltration mode M1 output waveform shown in FIG. Can generate output waveforms. That is, according to this embodiment, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15 can be generated by using hardware resources for generating the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3. As a result, various output waveforms (output waveforms having various actions as described above or later) including the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. can.

In addition, in a modified example, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15 may be generated via the first electrode group 31 instead of or in addition to the second electrode group 32 . Alternatively, the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 as shown in FIG. 19 may be generated via the second electrode group 32 instead of or in addition to the first electrode group 31. In this case, using a common drive circuit and output waveform generator (for example, in the case of the second electrode group 32, the drive circuit 120 and the output waveform generator 130 in FIG. 4), the frequencies of the control signals CT1 and CT2 are By simply changing , the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15 and the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 as shown in FIG. 19 can be selectively generated. As a result, while minimizing the circuit scale of the control system 100, various output waveforms (output waveforms having various actions as described above or later) can be applied via various electrodes.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a preferred example of output waveforms in the iontophoresis mode M2. FIG. 16 shows the output waveform (time-series waveform) in the iontophoresis mode M2 when the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage values. In FIG. 16, ΔT2 represents one cycle of the output waveform.

In the iontophoresis mode M2, a continuous waveform that changes periodically at least twice within one duration is generated. In this embodiment, the output waveform in the iontophoresis mode M2 is a pulsed DC waveform. It should be noted that instead of the waveforms shown in FIG. 16, waveforms with inverted polarities as shown in FIG. 17 may be used.

The frequency of the output waveform of the iontophoretic mode M2 is determined such that at least two or more pulsed DC waveforms are generated within one duration, preferably between 1.5 kHz and 10 kHz.

The output waveform in the iontophoresis mode M2 may consist of a plurality of pulsed DC waveforms with the same amplitude, but preferably one or more specific pulsed DC waveforms whose amplitude (magnitude of voltage value) is significantly larger than others. It may contain pulses. For example, FIG. 18 shows an example of an output waveform for iontophoresis mode M2 in which only one particular pulse PL2 is included within one duration. A specific pulse has the function of enhancing the effect of the iontophoresis mode M2 by generating transient pores in the skin (electroporation) by pulse stimulation. The specific pulse differs not only in amplitude but also in frequency from pulses other than the specific pulse in the output waveform of the iontophoresis mode M2 (hereinafter referred to as "mesoporation pulse" for distinction). may For example, the mesoporation pulse has a peak voltage value of less than 10 V and a frequency between 1.5 kHz and 10 kHz, whereas the specific pulse has a peak voltage value of 10 V or more and , the frequency may be a low frequency of about 2 to 10 Hz.

By the way, in order to enhance the function of the mesoporation pulse, which has the effect of applying high voltage and pushing the active ingredient into the deep layer with ions (mesoporation), transient pores are generated in the skin by pulse stimulation. It may be useful to apply the mesoporation pulse immediately after the application of the specific pulse with function. This is because transient pores tend to close up quickly.

In this regard, according to the output waveform as shown in FIG. 18, the mesoporation pulse is generated immediately after the application of the specific pulse, so that the effect of the ion introduction mode M2 can be effectively enhanced.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a preferred example of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3. FIG. 19 shows the output waveform (time-series waveform) of the high-frequency mode M3 when the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage. In FIG. 19, ΔT3 represents one cycle of the output waveform.

The output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is a high frequency AC waveform and has a frequency significantly higher than the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as described above. The frequency of the output waveform in high frequency mode M3 may be, for example, 900 kHz or higher.

Next, the effect of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG. 20 onward.

FIG. 20 is a diagram comparing the permeation effects of active ingredients with various output waveforms. On the left side of FIG. 20, the vertical axis indicates the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for the 2nd to 5th layers of the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis indicates various test conditions C1 to C5. is shown. Further, on the right side of FIG. 20, the vertical axis indicates the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for the 6th to 10th layers of the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis indicates various test conditions C1 to C5. is shown. Test condition C1 corresponds to a condition in which no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "output nonuse condition"), and test conditions C2 to C5 are conditions in which the skin treatment device 1 is used, The test condition C2 corresponds to the condition under which only the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is applied, and the test condition C3 is the condition under which only the output waveform of the iontophoresis mode M2 (positive output waveform shown in FIG. 16) is applied. , and the test condition C4 corresponds to a condition in which only the output waveform of the iontophoresis mode M2 (negative output waveform shown in FIG. 17) is given. Also, the test condition C5 corresponds to a condition in which only the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15 is given.

This test was performed in the following procedure.
1) First, as confirmation of skin homeostasis, after washing the forearm, it was acclimatized for 15 minutes, and after measuring the amount of water evaporation at the application sites (5 sites), it was confirmed that there were no large fluctuations in the numerical values and no scars. bottom.
2) Next, quantitative measurement was performed from the treatment with a facial treatment device as follows.
2-1: Drop the sample onto the forearm.
2-2: After the treatment of 2-1, the sample is used in a circular motion at a speed of 1 rotation per second for 1.5 minutes. Under the output nonuse condition, the same operation is realized by using the skin treatment device 1 in a power-off state (that is, the skin treatment device 1 in a state in which no output waveform is generated).
2-3: After the treatment of 2-2, wipe off the remaining sample with cotton, wipe the skin surface with cotton soaked with 50% ethanol solution, and wash.
2-4: After the treatment of 2-3, the stratum corneum of the application site was peeled off with an adhesive tape (commercially available stratum corneum checker under the trade name “D-Squame (registered trademark)”), and the stratum corneum 2-5 The amount of VCPMg (L-ascorbyl magnesium phosphate) contained in each of the 6th to 10th layers of the stratum corneum is quantified.
In addition, in this test, the electric influence of the skin treatment apparatus 1 was considered, and it was performed from the test condition C1.

As shown in FIG. 20, according to the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. It was also found that a remarkably high permeation effect can be expected.

Here, there are substances that are suitable for ion introduction or ion extraction and substances that are not suitable, but the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. It was found that a high penetration effect can be expected.

図２１は、図１５に示すような浸潤モードＭ１の出力波形の周波数の違いに応じた効果の相違の説明図である。図２１では、縦軸に、角層内吸収量を取り、横軸に、各種試験条件Ｃ１０からＣ１２及びＣ１が対応付けられ、試験条件Ｃ１０からＣ１２及びＣ１のそれぞれにおける角層内吸収量が、角層２－５層目（符号２３０１参照）と、角層６－１０層目（符号２３０２参照）と、それらの合計（角層２－１０層目）（符号２３０３参照）とに分けて、示されている。

21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams of the difference in effect according to the difference in the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 21, the vertical axis represents the stratum corneum absorption amount, and the horizontal axis represents various test conditions C10 to C12 and C1. Divided into stratum corneum 2nd to 5th layers (see symbol 2301), stratum corneum 6th to 10th layers (see symbol 2302), and their sum (stratum corneum 2nd to 10th layers) (see symbol 2303), It is shown.

Test conditions C10 to C12 correspond to conditions in which the frequency of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 is 50 kHz, 70 kHz, and 156 kHz, respectively. condition that does not occur). The test procedure is as described above with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 21, according to the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15, effective results were obtained at any frequency, as clearly compared with the results of test condition C1. Regarding the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, it can also be confirmed that the lower the frequency, the more the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum slightly increases.

22A and 22B are explanatory diagrams of the difference in effect according to the difference in the current value of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 22, the vertical axis is the stratum corneum absorption amount, and the horizontal axis is associated with various test conditions C20, C21 and C1. Divided into stratum corneum 2nd to 5th layers (see symbol 2301), stratum corneum 6th to 10th layers (see symbol 2302), and their sum (stratum corneum 2nd to 10th layers) (see symbol 2303), It is shown.

Test conditions C20 and C21 respectively correspond to the condition that the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz. is the same condition as Note that the test condition C1 is the output non-use condition described above.

As shown in FIG. 22, it can be confirmed that the higher the current value, the higher the absorption in all layers. Specifically, when the current value is doubled (test condition C20 compared to test condition C21), the absorption amount is 1.5 times. From this, it can be seen that if the frequency is the same, the higher the current value, the greater the amount of absorption.

23A and 23B are explanatory diagrams of the difference in effect according to the difference in the usage time of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 23, the vertical axis is the stratum corneum absorption amount, and the horizontal axis is associated with various test conditions C30, C31 and C1. Divided into stratum corneum 2nd to 5th layers (see symbol 2301), stratum corneum 6th to 10th layers (see symbol 2302), and their sum (stratum corneum 2nd to 10th layers) (see symbol 2303), It is shown.

Test conditions C30 and C31 respectively correspond to conditions in which the frequency of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz. be. Note that the test condition C1 is the output non-use condition described above.

As shown in FIG. 23, it can be confirmed that the longer the usage time, the higher the absorption amount in all layers. Specifically, when the usage time is 6 times longer ("90 seconds" of test condition C30, which is 6 times longer than "15 seconds" of test condition C31), the absorption amount is 2 to 10 layers of the stratum corneum 3.6 times. From this, it can be seen that if the frequency is the same, the longer the usage time, the greater the amount of absorption. Therefore, for example, by including the infiltration mode M1 in the operation mode A1 and increasing the time ratio of the infiltration mode M1 in one cycle of the operation mode A1, the absorption amount per unit time can be efficiently increased. can be expected.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. It is also possible to combine all or more of the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

For example, the output waveform of the permeation mode M1 as shown in FIG. 15 is suitable for promoting permeation of useful substances contained in external skin preparations. The substance carrier may be used for any purpose. For example, it is effective not only in cosmetics and quasi-drugs, but also in promoting percutaneous absorption of drugs that have been decomposed in the liver and have not fully exhibited their effects. In addition, the purpose of use of external agents that are percutaneously absorbed is arbitrary, and percutaneous absorption of external agents such as analgesics, antiphlogistic agents, whitening agents, moisturizing agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial agents, and antiviral agents. Any purpose.

1 skin treatment device 2 grip portion 3 head portion 3a contact surface 20 user interface 30 electrode 31 first electrode group 31a first circumference 32 second electrode group 32a second circumference 310 first electrode 320 second electrode 390 spaced region 100 control system 110 control device 111 user input acquisition unit 112 mode setting unit 113 control parameter setting unit 114 PWM signal generation unit 115 switching control unit 116 parameter storage unit 120 drive circuit unit 121 drive circuit unit 122 drive circuit unit 130 output waveform generation unit 131 Output waveform generator 132 Output waveform generator 135 Transformer 136 Transformer 137 Transformer 140 Switching circuit 141 Switching circuit 150 Power supply

Claims (8)

A skin treatment device having a plurality of electrode groups capable of coming into contact with a user's skin,
The plurality of electrode groups includes a first electrode group and a second electrode group,
The first electrode group includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged at first predetermined angles along the first circumference,
The second electrode group includes a plurality of second electrodes arranged at second predetermined angles along a second circumference concentric with the first circumference and having a larger diameter than the first circumference, for skin treatment. Device. Any two of the plurality of first electrodes that are adjacent in a circumferential direction with respect to the first circumference are separated from each other by a first distance,
Any two of the plurality of second electrodes that are adjacent in a circumferential direction with respect to the second circumference are spaced apart from each other by a second distance,
2. A skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein said first distance is less than said second distance. The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are separated by a third distance in a radial direction with respect to the first circumference,
3. The skin treatment device according to claim 2, wherein said third distance is less than said first distance. 3. The distance between any two of the plurality of first electrodes maintains the first distance over a section of a predetermined length along the radial direction with reference to the first circumference, or 3. The skin treatment device according to 3. 5. The plurality of first electrodes are separated by a plurality of linear regions intersecting through the center of the first circumference, the width of the linear regions being the first distance. The skin treatment device according to any one of the items. The plurality of first electrodes have a shape in which a ring having a width of a fourth distance in a radial direction based on the first circumference is divided in the circumferential direction,
The plurality of second electrodes have a shape in which a ring having a width of a fifth distance in a radial direction based on the second circumference is divided in the circumferential direction,
6. A skin treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fourth distance is also greater than said fifth distance. The number of the plurality of first electrodes is an even number,
7. A skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of said plurality of second electrodes is an odd number. further comprising a control device that realizes output via the plurality of electrode groups in a plurality of different output modes,
The plurality of types of output modes include a mode for outputting a high-frequency waveform for heating via the first electrode group and a mode for outputting a waveform for muscle electrical stimulation via the second electrode group. A skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1-7.

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